Last-gasp goal sinks Milan

GLASGOW, Scotland – A last minute goal from striker Scott McDonald gave Celtic a shock 2-1 home win over Champions League holders AC Milan in Group D on Wednesday.

The Australian striker prodded home from close range to send the home crowd wild, after a Kaka penalty had levelled for Milan midway through the second half.

Stephen McManus had put the hosts ahead when bundling home a corner at the far post.

Celtic and Milan both have three points from their two games, but they trail group leaders Shakhtar Donestsk after the Ukrainians won 1-0 at Benfica, who remain pointless.

After a dour first half, Celtic took the lead in the 62nd minute when Paul Hartley’s corner from the left appeared to take a touch off former Milan midfielder Massimo Donati before reaching captain McManus at the back post — and he made no mistake from literally inches out.

But six minutes later referee Markus Merk harshly adjudged Lee Naylor to have grappled too enthusiastically with Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini inside the penalty area and Kaka sent goalkeeper Artur Borac the wrong way with the spot-kick.

However, with seconds remaining, McDonald pounced after Milan keeper Dida parried a Gary Caldwell drive from the edge of the box — securing the three points for the Scottish champions.

The drama was not over though, because a delighted Celtic fan rushed onto the pitch and touched Dida on the shoulder.

However, the Brazilian goalkeeper collapsed to the ground holding his face and, after treatment, was replaced by Zeljko Kalac as the game finished in controversial circumstances.

The win was Celtic’s first over Milan in seven attempts — although they will be hoping to avoid any punishment from UEFA over the late incident involving Dida.

The result at Celtic Park means Shakhtar lead the way after their narrow win in Portugal.

The only goal came three minutes before half-time when Razvan Rat slipped the ball into Fernandinho’s path and he cut it back for Rodrigues Jadson to side-foot high into the net for only his second ever Champions League goal.